It is not common for a Real Madrid footballer to give interviews to La Vanguardia, but the World Cup final has aligned the stars, creating the perfect setting. Before playing the most important match of his career, Marc Cucurella (Alella, 1998) arrives very punctually for his appointment. He seems a bit wary at first but soon realizes he is not on the firing line and flashes his first smiles. He is approachable and kind. And he does not hide from anything.

The list of FIFA’s mistakes is long and this World Cup is a new example. Balogun, hydration breaks, halftime shows… but Infantino and his henchmen don’t do everything wrong. In fact, there are some things others could learn from. When it comes to the final of a World Cup, the most important match that can be played, it’s not a matter of experimenting and playing around. Everyone gets serious. So before the showdown, the coaches and captains of the finalists must appear at a press conference. They are the most authoritative voices. And in New York, as far as Spain is concerned, that responsibility fell on Luis de la Fuente and Rodri Hernández.